great
adjective
UKɡreɪtUSɡreɪt
very good, excellent, or of a large or notable degree; significant or important
Example Sentences
We had a great time at the festival last weekend.
She is a great leader who inspires her team to excel.
The restaurant serves great food at affordable prices.
He has a great sense of humor and always makes people laugh.
A great idea can sometimes come from the most unexpected place.
They put in a great effort and completed the project ahead of schedule.
My grandfather has a great life story, filled with experiences that shaped his wisdom and the values he passed down to future generations.
Their performance was so great that it left the audience in awe, cheering and applauding long after the final curtain had fallen.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Shows remarkable excellence, significance, or intensity beyond the usual.As an adjective, “great” signifies something outstanding in quality, magnitude, or degree. You might say a performance was “great,” commending its superior skill or captivating effect. It can highlight personal achievements as well—“She did a great job on the project,” affirming exceptional effort and result. Additionally, “great” underscores a high level of enjoyment, such as “We had a great time at the party.” In describing influential figures—“He was a great leader”—it conveys both respect and admiration. When used in comparative speech, “greater” and “greatest” indicate increasing levels of intensity: “Her influence grew greater over time, eventually becoming the greatest in her field.” In writing, “great” can enrich descriptions of emotional states, achievements, or experiences—“great relief,” “great passion,” or “great success.” However, you’ll want to avoid overusing it in formal or academic settings; instead, choose synonyms like “exceptional,” “outstanding,” or “remarkable” for variety. From casual praise among friends (“That movie was great!”) to formal commendations at work, “great” consistently carries a sense of elevated quality or significance, making it a flexible and universally understood term for positive emphasis.
Alternatives
Numerous synonyms capture the sense of excellence or distinction that “great” conveys. For instance, “excellent” focuses on a high standard of quality and is typically suitable for both formal and casual contexts—“She is an excellent communicator.” “Outstanding” highlights notable superiority, drawing attention to how something or someone stands apart: “His performance was outstanding.” “Remarkable” points to something worthy of comment or marvel, underscoring its unusual or impressive nature—“That was a remarkable display of skill.” “Superb” and “magnificent” offer more elevated tones, appropriate for describing art, architecture, or grand achievements—“The gallery featured a superb collection of modern sculptures.” “Exceptional” stresses something that exceeds the norm and suggests rarity—“He is an exceptional athlete.” Meanwhile, “fantastic” or “awesome” lean more casual, emphasizing a strong positive reaction. By selecting synonyms that match your context—be it an academic paper, workplace report, or friendly banter—you maintain precision and keep language fresh. Each option offers a slightly different flavor of commendation or admiration, so choosing carefully ensures your intended meaning is clear and suited to the occasion.
Writing
When writing, “great” is a concise way to highlight excellence, importance, or intensity. Yet relying on it too often can dilute its impact. Vary your vocabulary by occasionally swapping in words like “superb,” “remarkable,” or “exceptional,” especially if you’re aiming for a more polished tone. If you’re describing achievements, detail the factors that make something “great,” such as innovative methods, creativity, or surpassing established standards. For instance, instead of simply writing, “He did a great job,” you might say, “He delivered an exceptionally thorough analysis, exceeding all expectations.” If you do use “great,” be mindful to attach context—“She proposed a great plan for cutting costs without sacrificing quality.” This shows readers exactly why it stands out. In formal writing, be selective; employ “great” only when it genuinely conveys the level of distinction you intend. In creative writing, “great” can also intensify drama or scenery—“They found themselves at the edge of a great, thunderous waterfall”—but consider whether a more evocative adjective might elevate the scene. Strategically deployed, “great” lends clarity and emphasis, ensuring your message resonates with the audience while preserving a dynamic, engaging style.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “great” is a go-to adjective for expressing approval, excitement, or satisfaction. Whether you’re greeting someone—“It’s great to see you!”—or praising an outcome—“That movie was great!”—this word conveys positive, upbeat emotions in a straightforward manner. It works well for quick reactions: “That’s great news!” or “You’re doing great!” Phrasing like “Have a great day!” is warm, friendly, and flexible enough for most social contexts. Meanwhile, if you need something more specific, you can slip in casual synonyms like “awesome,” “fantastic,” or “amazing” to show added enthusiasm. Overusing “great,” however, can make your speech seem repetitive, so mixing in these synonyms can keep your dialogue lively. In group settings, “That’s a great idea!” can encourage more contributions, boosting morale and open discussion. Overall, “great” remains effortlessly versatile—sounding neither too formal nor too slangy. It’s perfect for friendly conversations, casual texts, and everyday appreciation, ensuring you always have a positive adjective ready for practically any situation, from discussing last night’s dinner to celebrating a friend’s exciting news.
Etymology
The word “great” stems from Old English “grēat,” which generally signified ‘big’ or ‘coarse’ in reference to size or form. Over time, it evolved to encompass broader meanings of significance, excellence, and importance—an example of how language adapts to cultural needs for expressing praise or distinction. Through the medieval period, terms like “great lords” denoted high status or power, showing an early move toward using “great” beyond physical size. Later eras further expanded its scope, with “great” appearing in titles (e.g., Alexander the Great) and in various historical contexts (“The Great War,” “The Great Depression”) to denote significant impact. Despite evolving connotations, “great” has retained its fundamental spirit of magnitude—be that in skill, influence, or merit. Today, it appears everywhere from casual exclamations—“That’s great!”—to formal records of monumental events, highlighting its versatility. Its transformation underscores how core English words can develop richer layers of meaning while still preserving their original sense of grandeur, making “great” an enduring and widely adopted term in both colloquial and formal usage.